Real-estate mogul Donald Trump secures shock US presidential victory

Republican candidate Donald Trump has won the US Presidential Election in a shock victory announced late on Tuesday night.

Trump was announced victor over his rival, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, at around 2.30 am by The Associated Press, after the media service projected that the bombastic property tycoon had secured victory in Wisconsin, passing the 270 electoral college votes he required to secure the presidency.

Although Clinton’s campaign had been recently rocked by revelations that the FBI were re-investigating the Democratic candidate in connection with a controversial email scandal, polls in the build up to election day still put her ahead.

Trump’s victory came off the back of surprise victories in Florida, North Carolina, and Ohio, while wins in rust belt states such as Wisconsin and Michigan — traditional Democratic states — secured the Republican candidates ascension to the White House.

The Republican nominee’s victory ranks amongst one of the most improbable in modern US history and comes despite a campaign rocked by controversy, and marred by a record of racist and sexist behaviour, and a lack of conventional political experience. 

Addressing supporters in New York following victory, Trump pledged to be president for “all Americans”, telling the American people I promise you I will not let you down.”

Clinton notably declined to give a concession speech with Democratic campaign chairman John Podesta appearing before distraught supporters stating “Everybody should head home … “Get some sleep. We’ll have more to say tomorrow.

In the election Republicans secured majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. 

The surprise victory has plunged the US into an uncertain future, both domestically and in terms of foreign policy.

Trump secured victory off the back of campaign of political rhetoric that has questioned America’s historic relationships with both European and Asian states, and treaties such as NATO.

However, after claiming victory, Trump sought to reassure foreign countries telling supporters "I want to tell the world that, while we will always put America's interests first, we will deal fairly with everyone."

Trump is set to be inaugurated as the 45th US President on January 25, next year.